Paris Autumn Festival – France 2025

Background & History

The Paris Autumn Festival, founded in 1972 by Michel Guy, inspired by Georges Pompidou’s vision to make Paris a global cultural capital, is a multidisciplinary contemporary arts festival. Over the decades, it has evolved into a key event showcasing avant-garde and innovative works in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, performance, and film. Held annually from September through December, it attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to multiple venues throughout Paris, offering a rich program that blends French and international talents.

Event Highlights

• Nearly 50 events spanning theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and film from September to December 2025.
• Opening highlights include Trajal Harrell’s dance/performance (Sept 4–6) and Carte Blanche Casa do Povo (Sept 13–27).
• Collaborations such as Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, and a focus on artistic and policy-oriented gestures.
• Featured visual arts guest Bouchra Khalili, known for multimedia installations.
• Diverse artist lineup including Adèle Haenel, Akaji Maro, Rebecca Saunders, Faye Driscoll, and collectives like MEXA and Casa do Povo.
• The program includes world premieres, interdisciplinary projects, and explorations of contemporary themes.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 4 – December 20, 2025 (exact end date may vary by programming)
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 months

Venue / Location

Address: 156 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

• Multiple venues across Paris and nearby areas, including:
  • Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe (Paris 6)
  • CENTQUATRE-PARIS
  • MC93 – Maison de la Culture de Seine-Saint-Denis
  • Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
  • Various theaters, galleries, and cultural spaces across Paris

Contact Information

• Website: festival-automne.com
• Phone: +33 1 53 45 17 00

Ticket Information

• Standard tickets range from $9 to $54, varying by event type and venue.
• Subscriber discounts available: $9 to $46.
• Under 30s and students enjoy a flat ticket rate of $9.
• Some workshops and performances are free of charge.

Cultural Experience

The festival is a hub for cutting-edge contemporary arts, inviting audiences to experience innovative dance, theatre, music, and visual arts. It promotes artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue, offering a window into current social and artistic issues through performances and exhibitions. The festival blends international perspectives with Parisian cultural heritage, appealing to a wide audience.

Food & Drinks

While the festival venues are scattered across Paris, attendees can explore the city’s renowned culinary scene, from classic French cafés to modern eateries. Local food markets and nearby restaurants offer diverse options to complement the cultural experience.

Family & Accessibility

The festival programs events for various age groups, though the content is primarily aimed at adult audiences interested in contemporary arts. Accessibility features such as wheelchair access and assistance are available at the main venues. Visitors are advised to check individual event accessibility details.

Getting There

• Paris is served by three major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Beauvais (BVA).
• Extensive metro, bus, and train networks provide easy access to festival venues.
• Central locations like Odéon and CENTQUATRE-PARIS are well-connected by public transport.
• Parking in central Paris is limited; public transportation is recommended.